Words Create Worlds ® – August 2016 Newsletter

Today I choose to be happy…

We are all capable of charting our own happiness and contributing to the happiness of those around us. Why is it that some people seem to be more “happy” than others? Are they truly happier?

Happiness, just like any emotion, involves three distinct components: a subjective experience, a physiological reaction, and a behavioral or expressive response. How we respond to an experience is unique. Have you ever noticed how a group of individuals might react differently to the same experience? Making the decision to remain happy, grateful and positive is a mindful practice that should be exercised daily.

Of course, we cannot be happy all of the time, but we also do not need to be angry, sad, or unhappy everyday either. In life we will encounter negative emotions, engage in difficult conversations, etc. – however, practicing to see the good in every situation is a great way to increase your resiliency to get through tough times.

Dr. Barbara Fredrickson, a global leader in the study of Positive Emotion, discovered that experiencing positive emotions broadens people’s minds and builds their resourcefulness in ways that help them become more resilient to adversity and effortlessly achieve what they once could only imagine.

As an AI Facilitator, Designer and Trainer I marvel at my good fortune to meet people who practice the pursuit of happiness every day. Appreciation Inquiry has given me the foundation to frame how I look at each day, what is here that I can celebrate? Building our happiness muscles takes time and practice – just like an Olympic Athlete – but the outcome is so worth it.

I hope many of you would be willing to share your stories of what happiness means to you; how you create happiness in your life; how you support happiness in others?

About Kathy Becker

Kathy is the CEO/President of the Company of Experts, Inc. and oversees this Small Woman Owned Business serving schools, colleges and universities, businesses, corporations and non-profits moving them from deficit models of planning and thinking to engagement, empowerment and collaboration.